Learning An Instrument After Age 50
As someone that’s taught banjo, guitar, and music theory for over 15 years, I’ve had lots of students over the age of 50. I don’t have the numbers, but I’m guessing the majority of my students have been above the age of 50.
At the same time, I do occasionally get the question, “Am I too old to learn?”
In this article, I’ll discuss some benefits of learning a musical instrument later in life. I’ll also some things you have to watch out for that maybe your younger counterparts don’t.
Learning Music Later In Life
Benefits of Learning A Musical Instrument After 50
- Prevent Cognitive Decline and Memory Loss
- Stress Relief
- Pressure-free learning
- Can Afford A Nicer Instrument
- Social Benefits
Reduce Mental Decline and Improve Coordination
Music has been shown to aid in the prevention of cognitive decline. When learning a new instrument, you’re firing new neurons. Neuroplasticity is real (for those that want to learn more about it). It basically says the brain is capable of growing new pathways much later in life than previously thought.
A stringed instrument requires lots of coordination between the hands and the mind. Therefore, you must learn to move your fingers and hands in a unified way. This has carry over benefits to your everyday life.
Stress Relief
Music is a great way to relieve stress. I’ve taught a number of older students in various professions over the years (Police officers, judges, lawyers, doctors, engineers, CEO’s, and more). Let’s face it, some folks work long long hours. Some people have large families that make lots of plans and fill their plate to the brim. That musical instrument offers an escape. That greatly needed ME TIME!
I’ve had people tell me over the years, “This is one of the few things I look forward to each week.” These folks are seriously burnt out at the office.
Pressure-Free Learning
You aren’t going to be Earl Scruggs or Bela Fleck. I’m sorry if I ruined it for you. However, it takes some of the pressure off of you. The only person you are competing with is yourself. You aren’t trying to make the big time or get noticed. You are simply trying to learn something new, progress, and have a blast while doing it. That’s not to say you can’t learn to play really well, to the point you can play in a band and onstage.
Can Afford A Nicer Instrument
Another advantage of being an older student is you probably can afford a nicer instrument. You’ve worked hard most of your life and you probably have a larger savings than most young people. One awesome aspect of this is you can afford a better instrument than those young whippersnappers!
No, you don’t need to learn on a $5000 banjo, but you can probably splurge a bit. If you want to buy that new Huber, Yates, or Hatfield banjo, it’s no ones business but your own.
Social Benefits
For myself, this was one of the largest benefits of music. I’ve met a ton of people over the last 30 years of playing music. I made lifetime friends in my music adventures. Maybe somewhere near you is a music jam? Maybe you have some neighbors that play an instrument you can get together with. Bluegrass festivals are wonderful, social events. If you don’t have any festivals, try open mics to meet like-minded musicians. Not in every case; however, as we age, sometimes it’s more difficult to make new friends.
Disadvantages of Learning to Play an Instrument Later In Life
- Physical Limitations
- Less Time
Physical Limitations
Probably the thing I’ve seen the most with older students is they often don’t know their own limits. A story-It reminds me of my father climbing on top of the house with a ladder to adjust something at 74 years old (Yes, I ended up having to take the ladder away from him and hiding it!). My dad was an amputee and had an artificial leg mind you, so he SERIOUSLY had no business doing this at 74 years old .
I’ve had a few older students get injured over the years. Superman, listen up! Listen to your body! Take lots of breaks and don’t over do it. Stretch your fingers and warm-up. The young folks probably don’t have to warm up as much; they can play for more hours than you without injuring themselves.
Less Time
You probably have less time available than your younger self (unless you retired early). You have family stuff to do. You probably have other hobbies that take up your time. This is partly why you won’t become Earl Scruggs. It’s not because you can’t learn quick, it’s because you have less time available to do it.
I want to end by saying at your age, you have plenty of life experiences to draw from and express through your music. Get in there and do it! No time is better than right now.
I also want to tell you that one of my students ever was someone in their 50’s. He got really good on his instrument, all while running his own business. I’ve taught people in their 80’s and music brought joy to their life.
Feel free to contact me if you need individual help with banjo, guitar, or music theory lessons. I am more than glad to help.
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